Article and Photographs by Major Andru Bok, Staff Officer 2 Media Liaison, Headquarters 43 SA Brigade

On 18 July 2012, the Headquarters 43 SA Brigade visited Kodumela Primary School in Pyramid to honour our former president, Mr Nelson Mandela. Members of Headquarters 43 SA Brigade warmly received by the principal, Mrs “MJ” Rammuki and her eight teaching staff members. The two hundred and thirty-four learners were gathered and Chaplain Lentikile Phokontsi opened with scripture reading and prayer. He also delivered a motivational speech and educational explanation regarding the meaning and intention of Mandela Day to the young ones. It was heartwarming to witness the learners knowledge about Mr Nelson Mandela. It gave the members of Headquarters 43 SA Brigade a better appreciation of the job teachers are doing on a daily basis.

General Officer Commanding Headquarters 43 SA Brigade, Brigadier General Lawrence Smith, visited the school while the Brigade members painted classrooms, cut grass and did general cleaning tasks. The Brigade donated the paint and provided its lawnmowers and other appliances to carry out all the activities. Through the activities, the members were entertained by the learners singing and dancing and one could clearly see the joy and appreciation on their faces.

Money was collected from the Brigade members and fruit, sweets and snacks were bought and shared amongst all the learners. The Headquarters 43 SA Brigade did not complete all the tasks but promised to go back the following day to finish the work. I would like to thank Brigadier General Smith, all role players, organisers and members of Headquarters 43 SA Brigade who contributed wholeheartedly to the success of this day.

Brigadier General Lawrence Smith, General Officer Commanding 43 SA Brigade and Major Khayisani Zulu, Communication Officer, visiting the Kodumela Primary School	Learners of the Kodumela Primary School happy to see the soldiers of 43 SA Brigade

Soldiers and Public Service Act Personnel of 43 SA Brigade working in the vegetable garden at the Kodumela Primary School	Corporal Martha Nkhoma handing out sweet parcels to the children